Maternal Vitamin A Deficiency in Selected Areas of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders (VAD) encompass the full spectrum of clinical consequences associated with sub optimal vitamin A status, which occur mainly during childhood and pregnancy. VAD is a significant public health problem in India with clinical and subclinical manifestations, both of which have not been quantified in women of childbearing age. Studies report that prevalence of night blindness among pregnant women can be used as a sure indicator to identify VAD in population groups in a region. The need of the hour therefore lies in assessing the magnitude of VAD among pregnant women through systematic, region wise, planned studies to implement region specific solutions. The present investigation is an effort in this direction. The major objective of the study was to quantify the prevalence of clinical and subclinical VAD among pregnant women in selected areas of Tamil Nadu.